At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in running a busy café, serving customers and ensuring top-notch service.
- Company: Join the RSPB at Minsmere Reserve, a vibrant nature reserve.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, full training, and a chance to learn about nature conservation.
- Why this job: Make a difference while working in a beautiful environment and meeting new people.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths and English or equivalent; enthusiasm and good communication skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for extra hours and potential career growth in a supportive team.
The predicted salary is between 11 - 16 £ per hour.
Our busy catering operation at Minsmere Reserve is looking for two Part-Time Seasonal Centre Assistants from 16th March 2026 - 1st November 2026. One role will be 13 hours a week mid-season and 15 hours a week peak-season. One role will be 5 hours a week – mainly working Saturday. You will need to deliver the highest standards of customer care and assist with the day-to-day running of the café operation, in line with set RSPB procedures and routines.
Our work in the visitor centre is planned via the use of rotas and will likely include weekend and bank holiday working. There will be the opportunity to pick up extra hours to cover annual leave and sickness as required. Full induction and training will be provided, with opportunities to learn about the running of a visitor centre and nature reserve operation.
Our café, retail and reception operations are a crucial part of what we do here, encouraging visitors to explore the reserve, and giving them a great visitor experience. You will be able to communicate well with our visitors and offer excellent levels of customer care. Duties will include working in our café, helping to serve customers, and undertaking other duties typical of a busy café and kitchen operation.
Essential skills, knowledge and experience:- GCSE Maths and English or equivalent.
- Basic food hygiene knowledge.
- Computer literate.
- Enthusiastic approach to work.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to plan and prioritise workloads.
- Multitasking skills.
- Problem-solving skills and ability to work on own initiative.
- Ability to manage and respond quickly and positively to customer needs and feedback.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Experience of working in a catering environment/visitor attraction.
- Knowledge of health and safety in the workplace.
- Knowledge of food and food service skills.
- Till operation and payment handling.
The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further discussion. The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.
Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.
Centre Assistant - Minsmere Reserve (Part-Time) employer: The Rspb
Contact Detail:
The Rspb Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Centre Assistant - Minsmere Reserve (Part-Time)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Minsmere Reserve and its café operation before your interview. Familiarise yourself with their values and what makes them tick. This will help you show genuine interest and connect with the team during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Think of scenarios where you might need to handle tricky situations or provide excellent service. We want to see how you can shine in a busy café environment, so be ready to share examples.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your multitasking abilities! Working in a café means juggling various tasks at once. Share stories that showcase your ability to manage multiple responsibilities while keeping a smile on your face.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of landing the job! It’s super easy, and we love seeing applications come directly from our site. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Minsmere!
We think you need these skills to ace Centre Assistant - Minsmere Reserve (Part-Time)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Centre Assistant and how your skills match up. This will help you tailor your application to stand out!
Show Off Your Customer Care Skills: Since this role is all about delivering top-notch customer service, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have. Whether it's working in a café or dealing with customers in another setting, let us know how you can bring that enthusiasm to our team!
Keep It Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t be afraid to be yourself while keeping it professional!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Rspb
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Centre Assistant at Minsmere Reserve. Familiarise yourself with the café operations, customer service expectations, and the RSPB's values. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Show Off Your Customer Care Skills
Since this role heavily focuses on customer interaction, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've provided excellent customer service. Think about how you handled difficult situations or went above and beyond for a customer. This will demonstrate your ability to manage and respond positively to customer needs.
✨Be Ready to Multitask
The café environment can get busy, so be prepared to discuss how you handle multiple tasks at once. Share specific instances where you've successfully juggled different responsibilities, whether in a previous job or during a busy event. This will highlight your ability to prioritise workloads effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or what a typical day looks like. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.